Audi A8L: First Drive

It's tough to take on the best in the world and it is definitely a lot harder to stake claim to the numero uno position, especially when you happen to be a new product in the market, however, Audi India is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to their super sized sedan, the all new Audi A8L, where ‘L’ stands for the long wheelbase version. This 5.27 meter long luxury barge is a literal translation of the very essence that embodies Audi and it promises to redefine the way we look at luxury cars. 

At a glance, the A8L encompasses the typical Audi design cues of simplistic yet timeless lines. It’s a toned body design where the light weight aluminum is exquisitely crafted to create a classic and elegant stance. Stretched across the famed Audi Space Frame, the exterior package is subtle yet has hints of a powerful and purposeful machine. Despite the long wheelbase, Audi has crafted the A8L with a coupe like roofline and a balanced treatment to create an aura of power. This is further accentuated by the vehicle’s profile that gives the image of thrusting forward. All this has been brought about by an interplay between surfaces and lines in typical Audi fashion. There is no bling value, cheap gimmicks or unnecessary design lines on the A8L for this is a car that has been crafted to suit those who believe in finesse that is above such standards. ‘Cultivated Style’ is possibly the best coined term to distinguish this elite sedan from the rest. 

Complimenting the exterior bodywork are elements that work towards bringing out the car’s understated yet attitude loaded intent. Topping the list are the headlights which have received Audi’s signature LED treatment and give the car its unmistakable appearance head on. The single frame radiator grille that is flanked by the headlights is another Audi trademark. It not only highlights the luxury appeal thanks to the chrome treatment but also aids in visual appeal for it offers a sense of width to the design. At the rear, the LEDs do their duty in the trapezoidal taillights which come fitted with 72 light emitting diodes in order for optimal visibility. Incidentally, the LEDs used on the Audi A8L are designed for the life of the vehicle! Completing the touch of class to the exterior package are the large 18 inch alloys that work their magic in emphasizing the powerful and sporty nature that this super sedan possesses.

Open the doors of the A8L and you are greeted by a high-tech lounge on wheels. Each and every material on the car has been selected with the utmost care and that includes choosing the single piece of wood that will finally be crafted into the dashboard insert as well as door inserts. One can’t complain about the fit and finish which is uber exquisite. The stalks, various controls, quality and feel of the panels and linings, all work to pamper you in plush luxury. Thanks to the large wheelbase there is oodles of space inside the sedan and you will be hard-pressed to find someone complaining about legroom or even headroom for that matter. The design element that prevails on the A8L is the fact that the interiors have been built around the passenger. Audi refers to this design element as ‘wraparound’ and it literally lives up to that purpose for once you are inside the car, you are literally transported to a whole new world where everything feels perfect and every accessory you can imagine is available. 

The front seats are crafted to perfection and one can opt for the deluxe seats that offer heating and cooling in addition to a built in five program pneumatic massage system! That’s right, this car can give you a massage while you drive, but if you thought that was taking it a bit too far then the A8L tops its own feature with the rear seats-after all, its in the rear where all the action is in the first place! The rear seats are a work of art in themselves.

Crafted to offer precision comfort a customer can opt for the ultimate package wherein a simple button pushes the front driver seat forward, tips the headrest down, brings up the LCD screen, electronically folds out a foot rest and at the same time brings the rear seat into a more laid back comfortable position. With all the in-car entertainment controls at your disposal, it’s easy to just unwind in the rear seat of the A8L as your chauffeur deals with the nuances of traffic. Further to this, the rear seats have a built-in massage system and should you feel the need to work, there is a neat table that also folds out for your convenience. Overall, the A8L is a treat to the senses with everything present to pamper you in each and every way-be it the Bang & Olufsen sound system, the Multi Media Information system with a touchpad, the numerous buttons to control the exact temperature and level of airflow from the A/C vents in your direction-its all about the ultimate indulgence.

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With such a strong focus on passenger comfort and convenience, one might think that Audi skimped out on the performance pedigree, but such is not the case. As much as the A8L is a brilliant car to be driven around in, it also is an engaging vehicle to drive. 

AUDI A8L

Coming to the action packed under the muscular hood, Audi is offering the A8L with the choice of either a 3.0 liter TDI engine that churns out 250 horsepower or a 4.2 liter FSI petrol motor. Incidentally the 3.0 liter TDI will only be available later this year in March and the car that I happened to be holding the keys to boasted of a simple yet proud badge on its rear ‘4.2 FSI’.  That number has a special meaning for me now, especially after I got to unleash hell on a test track created for the purpose on the outskirts of Jaipur.

Displacing a massive 4163cc, the 4.2 FSI V8 petrol engine is a literal beast that is waiting to be unleashed. Capable of generating 372 horse power and a chassis twisting 445Nm of torque at just 3,500 rpm, this engine redefines linear power delivery. Mated to an electronically controlled 8 speed tiptronic automated transmission and quattro permanent all wheel drive, the A8L is able to go from standstill to 100km/h in just 5.8 seconds flat! On the inside, this power delivery can simply be compared to a passenger airliner taking off.

The gearshifts are smooth, the power delivery is linear and the car just thrusts forward and it just takes a nanosecond to realize that Audi has ensured that the best of everything that Audi stands for has found its way into their flagship sedan.

With such power on tap, Audi has insured that the chassis measures up to the task. Tuned to offer comfort along with sporty handling, the chassis is capable of providing high precision for better control, excellent ride characteristics and aided by the adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select System, the car can literally change its set up in seconds in order to suit different driving conditions. There are a lot of sophisticated components hard at work to ensure that the A8L behaves in the manner that it does. From being a stately sedan to a sporty tarmac scorcher, the A8L is a showcase of technology. Unleash this car on a track and its capable of scorching the tarmac in a straight line, but more impressive than that is the manner in which it corners.

The quattro system coupled with a solid amount of techno-wizardry ensures that the car keeps its line at all times. The steering geometry is spot on and the car’s ability to head in the direction you are thinking of going in is almost intuitive. Of all sedans in this category, the A8L has got be the most engaging drive which is an attribute that most large sedans can’t really boast of.

With such power packed inside, Audi has ensured that the A8L is packed to the hilt with safety features as well. Apart from the usual ABS, EBD, ESP and numerous airbags (located just about everywhere within the vehicle!!), the A8L also comes with the Audi pres sense basic safety system. Using the information from the ESP system the car can ‘understand’ a critical situation and help mitigate the situation by intervening. If the car expects a crash, it can automatically close the windows and sunroof in order to allow for maximum occupant protection. The construction of the vehicle has also kept safety as a guiding feature with four load paths to distribute impact should a frontal collision occur. The A8L comes laden with sensors monitoring just about every system in order to avert disaster and it is the combination of these active and passive safety systems that work in unison to make the Audi A8L a very safe car indeed.

Audi has taken the pains to inject every bit of Audi's DNA into the A8L. The car is a distinguished luxury sedan that caters to a class that is extremely sure of what they are looking for. Embodying the very essence of what Audi stands for is a tall order however the A8L lives up to that dignity in its quintessential style. Set to go up against the formidable BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S Class, the A8L might be entering in the thick of battle, however having said that, it is the one that comes packed with the maximum pedigree and the competition is definitely going to feel the heat. Built to be a class apart, the A8L manages to actually set itself as a league apart.

AUDI A8L